Mercedes chose to minimize Kimi Antonelli’s chances of winning the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, which takes place on September 6, by performing a complete power unit change in Monza. According to Toto Wolff, the team’s calculations indicate that the Italian circuit is the best moment of the season to take the penalty.
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“Our theory, our calculations say that it is the best track to do this. Obviously, the algorithms do not consider nationality when we are fighting for a championship and want to get the most publicity, so that is what we will do.”
The replacement involves the internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-K, energy store, control electronics, and auxiliary components. Not all parts will generate a penalty, but the use of the fifth ICE, the fourth energy store, and the fourth control electronics system results in a combined penalty of 30 positions.
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Antonelli is the current leader of the drivers’ championship, with a 59-point advantage over his Mercedes teammate, the British George Russell, who is in second place and tied with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
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